Ali, R v [2021] EWCA Crim 653
judge.
[2]the victim of that offence.[3]acknowledged that in the witness box at trial he admitted punching V.[4]that she was consenting.[5]and sent a confirmatory letter dated 18 March 2008.[6]"The learned judge cannot be criticised in relation to any direction of law. There were no material irregularities during the course of the trial."[7]rape.[8]Stephen Burdon Solicitors were unaware of any such complaint until September 2020. The applicant criticises Stephen Burdon Solicitors for not providing him with the papers in the case. There is no evidence that he requested any of those papers before 2012. In 2008 he asked for a transcript of the trial. Stephen Burdon Solicitors wrote to him on 4 November 2008, explaining how he could contact the transcribers, but he did not do so. The applicant instructed another firm of solicitors, Swain & Co., who wrote to Stephen Burdon Solicitors on 8 November 2012 requesting paperwork. They were sent the witness statements. On 22 January 2013 the applicant asked for the paperwork to be sent directly to him in prison. Stephen Burdon Solicitors offered to send it instead to Swain & Co. The applicant did not take any further action, such as instructing Swain & Co. to request more documents or complaining to the Legal Ombudsman. At some point thereafter Stephen Burdon Solicitors destroyed their file in accordance with usual practice. The complaint about this, made by the applicant to the Legal Ombudsman in 2018, was dismissed.[9]Co. to assist with an appeal against conviction, but claims that they said they could not get legal aid. There is no evidence that Swain & Co. considered that an appeal would have[10]any merit.[11]time. Indeed, there does not appear to be any merit in the proposed appeal.[12]appeal. Accordingly, we refuse the extension of time and refuse the application for leave to appeal. Epiq Europe Ltd hereby certify that the above is an accurate and complete record of the proceedings or part thereof. Lower Ground, 18-22 Furnival Street, London EC4A 1JS Tel No: 020 7404 1400 Email: rcj@epiqglobal.co.uk